15 Childhood Collectibles from the ’90s That Are Extinct
Many popular childhood collectibles from the ’90s have disappeared and are no longer part of today’s toy culture.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 5 min read
The 1990s introduced a wide range of collectibles that defined a generation of childhood experiences. These items, once traded, collected, and played with daily, are no longer found in stores or schools. This list highlights 15 collectibles from the ’90s that have become extinct.
1. Pogs
Nizzan Cohen on Wikimedia Commons
Pogs were small cardboard discs that kids used to stack, trade, and slam during recess. The game came with its own rules and even special “slammers” made of plastic or metal. For a few years, pogs were everywhere, with designs ranging from cartoons to logos. Today, they’re rarely seen, and most kids have never heard of them.
2. Tamagotchis
Chester on Wikimedia Commons
Tamagotchis were digital pets that needed constant care and attention from their young owners. If you forgot to feed or clean up after them, they would “die,” which made them feel almost real. Kids kept them on keychains and took them everywhere, even to school. Now, newer digital toys have taken over, and original Tamagotchis are hard to find.
3. Beanie Babies
daryl_mitchell on Wikimedia Commons
Beanie Babies were soft, bean-filled animals that became one of the biggest toy crazes of the decade. Many believed they would grow in value, so people collected them carefully, sometimes leaving the tags on. There were hundreds of types, and rare ones were sold for high prices. Today, they sit in boxes or end up in thrift stores, forgotten.
4. Polly Pocket
Ethan Doyle White on Wikimedia Commons
Polly Pocket sets were tiny worlds inside compact plastic cases that kids could open and play with anywhere. The original versions had miniature figures and detailed scenes, often fitting in the palm of your hand. Newer versions are much bigger, losing the charm of their tiny design. The classic ones are no longer made and have become collector’s items.
5. Tech Decks
Ukren on Wikimedia Commons
Tech Decks were finger-sized skateboards that kids used to do tricks on desks and playgrounds. They came with real graphics from major skate brands and even had mini tools to change the wheels. Kids traded and practiced moves like they were real skateboarders. While they still exist, the craze from the late ’90s is long gone.
6. Crazy Bones
AleksRok on Wikimedia Commons
Crazy Bones were tiny plastic figures used for a simple yet addictive game of flicking and knocking them over. Each figure had its own shape and face, making collecting them fun and competitive. They came in small packets, so kids never knew which ones they’d get. Their popularity faded quickly, and they’re almost impossible to find now.
7. Giga Pets
Zeitblick on Wikimedia Commons
Giga Pets were similar to Tamagotchis, offering kids a chance to raise a digital animal on a tiny screen. They needed to be fed, cleaned, and played with to stay alive and happy. Many kids had more than one and treated them like real pets. Over time, the simple graphics and limited functions lost their appeal.
8. Sky Dancers
LadyofHats on Wikimedia Commons
Sky Dancers were flying dolls that launched into the air when you pulled a cord. They spun gracefully for a few seconds before falling back down. They were magical to watch but often flew into faces or furniture. Because of safety issues, they were pulled from stores and are no longer made.
9. Talkboy
Y2kcrazyjoker4 on Wikimedia Commons
The Talkboy was a handheld recorder made famous by the movie Home Alone 2. Kids could record their voice, slow it down, and play it back for fun or pranks. It looked like a high-tech gadget and felt exciting to use. But with smartphones and better tech today, the Talkboy is now just a memory.
10. Lisa Frank Stationery
General Eccentric on Wikimedia Commons
Lisa Frank products were known for their bright colors, rainbows, and magical animals. Kids loved collecting the folders, stickers, and notebooks to use or trade with friends. The designs were bold, glittery, and instantly recognizable. Today, they’re no longer common in stores and mostly remembered through nostalgic posts online.
11. Furby
Vickie Intili on Pexels
Furbies were talking toy creatures with blinking eyes and moving mouths. They “learned” to speak over time and responded to touch and sound. Kids were amazed — and sometimes creeped out — by how real they seemed. Although reboots have come and gone, the original models are extinct.
12. Hit Clips
Jason Curtis on Wikimedia Commons
Hit Clips were tiny music players that played just one minute of a popular song. Kids wore them on their clothes and collected different songs like trading cards. The sound quality was poor, but the idea was futuristic at the time. Now, with streaming and phones, Hit Clips are a thing of the past.
13. Yo-Yo Balls
Daderot on Wikimedia Commons
Unlike regular yo-yos, yo-yo balls would always snap back automatically, making tricks easier for kids. They were bright, colorful, and fun to show off. The hype didn’t last long, but for a time, they were found in nearly every backpack. Today, they’re hardly seen and rarely talked about.
14. McDonald’s Happy Meal Toys (Classic Lines)
Judgefloro on Wikimedia Commons
In the ’90s, McDonald’s Happy Meals often came with themed toy sets that kids raced to collect. Some featured movie characters, mini Beanie Babies, or transforming food items. They were simple but exciting, making meals more fun. Modern toys are different now, and many of the classics have vanished completely.
15. Slap Bracelets
Will Rinehart on Wikimedia Commons
Slap bracelets were flat bands that wrapped around your wrist with one quick hit. They came in all kinds of patterns and colors and were fun to trade and wear. Some schools banned them due to safety concerns, adding to their appeal. You rarely see them now, except in throwback stores or parties.